Weezil Malone Band wins regional blues competition at Billy’s Lounge
The band led by veteran blues guitarist and singer Weezil Malone was a late addition to Sunday’s contest, but will now advance to the national competition in Memphis.
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Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
‘Blown away’ by Winter Jam: Matthew West, Katy Nichole, more set for Michigan tour stops
The inspirational Christian music tour returns to Van Andel Arena on Sunday with Anne Wilson, Disciple, Hulvey, NewSong and more on the bill, with an Ypsilanti stop also ahead. The Local Spins preview, with music videos from Matthew West and Katy Nichole.
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Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Anne Wilson straddling country and Christian music as ‘Stars’ tour hits Michigan
Inspired by her late brother, Anne Wilson has quickly cultivated a devoted — and often young — audience for her ‘faith-driven’ music. She plays Detroit on Saturday and a sold-out show in Grand Rapids on Sunday. Learn more about Wilson and watch two music videos at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Steven Curtis Chapman, Matthew West ready to uplift Unity Music Festival
The four-day festival filled with Christian music stars returns to Muskegon’s Heritage Landing starting on Wednesday. The preview, Chapman interview and schedule at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
From a West Michigan church to a Nashville country adventure, Cory Asbury pushes on
The one-time Richland church worship leader returns to West Michigan for a show at The Intersection’s Elevation on Friday. Cory Asbury’s back story today at Local Spins, along with music videos.
The Fray delivers heartfelt messages for 2,000 fans in return to Grand Rapids
After a long hiatus, the pop-driven Colorado rock band made a triumphant splash during its tour stop Friday at GLC Live at 20 Monroe. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Fray is Back: Colorado band to toast new songs, debut album’s 20th anniversary in GR
The band which hit quadruple-platinum sales of 2005’s “How to Save a Life” plays Grand Rapids’ GLC Live at 20 Monroe on Friday. The Local Spins interview with David Welsh.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
MercyMe, Sam Wesley poised to bring inspirational family affair to Grand Rapids
Sam Wesley, MercyMe frontman’s son, is carving out his own musical space on the tour that stops at Van Andel Arena on Sunday. Learn more at Local Spins.
Forrest Frank unfurls infectious pop, embraces fan interaction in Grand Rapids tour stop
The fast-rising Christian music star regaled an audience of about 10,000 at Van Andel Arena on Monday, along with opener Elevation Rhythm. The review, photos and set list.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Forrest Frank, Elevation Rhythm ready to sing ‘Praises’ with energetic, hip-hop, pop flair
The emerging Christian music artists make a tour stop Sunday at Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena, with plans to perform their smash hit as a duet. The back story, interview and music video at Local Spins.
Comic Brian Atkinson set for ‘wild and crazy’ clean comedy benefit at Wealthy Theatre
The Grand Rapids stand-up comic and several other comedians will host a special night benefiting West Michigan Mental Health Foundation’s Be Nice program. Learn more in this Local Grins artist spotlight.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
TobyMac’s mantra, Bell’s Mitten music buffet, Valley Girl’s anniversary soiree: Photo Recap
Local Spins’ week-in-music roundup travels from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to showcase everything from national touring acts such as Vampa and Ella Langley to local stars Hannah Laine, Jessica Ivey and Santino Jones and more. Browse the images at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Venue Spotlight
Big Ticket Festival cancels; Rockwell Republic closure in GR ends Monday night jazz
The roster of festivals and music venues disappearing over the past several months continues to grow with the announcements by a Christian music fest and downtown GR restaurant.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
CAIN rises up with TobyMac for upcoming Grand Rapids tour stop
The country-driven Christian music trio joins pop/hip-hop/rock star TobyMac as well as Crowder, Ryan Stevenson and Terrian on Sunday at Van Andel Arena. The Local Spins interview, plus music videos.
Valentine Serenades: Goose gins up jams in GR, CeCe Winans inspires ‘More Than This’
Two performances covering widely different spectrums — psychedelic jam-band rock and Christian worship music — had sold-out West Michigan crowds entranced on Thursday. The recaps and set lists at Local Spins.
Winter Jam thaws fans with Skillet’s fervid spectacle, Anne Wilson’s country & more
Many fans waited outside in icy temps to catch Sunday’s Christian music tour stop which also featured sets by Colton Dixon, Trip Lee and more. The review, photos and set lists at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Winter Jam celebrating 25th anniversary tour with Skillet, NewSong, Anne Wilson
The annual, inspirational music showcase stops at Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena on Sunday, with Trip Lee, Colton Dixon and Micah Tyler also on the bill. The Local Spins preview.
Holland’s Engedi Music poised for national digital releases via Capitol Records offshoot
The Engedi Church music ensemble releases “There’s Still Water” on Feb. 7 after “road testing” the worship songs during services. Get the back story at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown · Videos
Healing from tragedy, TobyMac inspires GR crowd: Top Stories of 2024 (No. 16)
The multi-Grammy-winning Christian music artist played Van Andel Arena in March with help from Grand Rapids’ own George Moss. Revisit our interview and show review as we continue our countdown of the top Local Spins stories of the year.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Harp Twins push boundaries of rock, folk, Celtic music & more with Zeeland show on tap
With a new “Celtic Charms” album and novel on the way, the celebrated harp duo plays Zeeland’s Waypoint Community Church on Wednesday for a special Halloween show. They’ll also play Grand Rapids Comic-Con in November. The interview, videos and more at Local Spins.
Amy Grant builds ‘House of Love’ in career retrospective during Grand Rapids concert
The iconic singer with a 40-years-plus career unfurled 25 engaging songs during her Monday tour stop at DeVos Performance Hall. The review, photos and set list at Local Spins.
Dierks Bentley glitters in career-spanning, covers-splashed Grand Rapids concert
With Chase Rice and Ella Langley also on the bill, Thursday’s “Gravel and Gold” tour stop at Van Andel Arena delivered plenty of Bentley’s familiar country hits for adoring fans. The review, photos and set list at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Summer Festivals
‘God just showing off’: Unity Christian Music Fest kicks off with ideal weather, inspired sets
The first night of this year’s festival at Muskegon’s Heritage Landing drew more than 13,000 people for performances by Matt Maher, Brandon Heath and more. The recap at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Muskegon’s Unity Christian Music Festival primed for ‘mix of old and new favorites’
The 2024 edition of the festival heats up Heritage Landing starting Wednesday, with stars such as Zach Williams, Matthew West, We Are Messengers and Tenth Avenue North. The preview and schedule at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Petra marking 50-plus years as Christian rock mainstay with Holland tour stop ahead
Boasting a rich and enduring legacy, the groundbreaking rock band plays Beechwood Church on Sunday. The Local Spins interview with lead singer John Schlitt.
Hip hop’s Lecrae, Christian rock’s Crowder heat up Winter Jam at Van Andel Arena
Sunday’s return to Grand Rapids of the popular annual Christian music tour played to a near-capacity audience that lined up for hours outside before the show. The recap and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Winter Jam ready to spring into musical action in Grand Rapids with Lecrae, David Crowder
The annual tour of Christian music artists rolls into Van Andel Arena on Sunday evening with more than a half-dozen stars. the Local Spins preview and interviews with Lecrae and David Crowder, along with their latest music videos.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Sunday Profile: Hip hop’s Steven Malcolm psyched about ‘transforming’ new album
The nationally acclaimed, faith-based West Michigan artist who’s racked up millions of listens on Spotify and YouTube stages a listening party for his album, “BOATS,” on Friday at StudioCor3 in Grand Rapids. The back story on this rising star, along with two of his latest music videos.
Concert reviews · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Michigan return of The War and Treaty, Over the Rhine: Two warm homecomings
Two bands made triumphant West Michigan appearances over the weekend, with Albion-bred heroes The War & Treaty playing Kalamazoo and the Over the Rhine duo returning yet again to Calvin University, plus Sullivan King playing two straight shows at The Intersection and Arkansauce playing Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Cafe. Get the recaps and browse the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Calvin ‘house band’ Over the Rhine eager to return for acoustic Christmas show
The Ohio duo has long made Grand Rapids a regular tour stop and will bring their holiday concert — and lots of memories — to Calvin University’s Chapel on Saturday night. The Local Spins interview.
Skillet, Vanderpump Rules’ Tom Sandoval, Jerry Douglas, EPCYA light up GR (Photos)
Early-week concerts drew varying crowds at several different venues — Van Andel Arena, The Intersection, St. Cecilia Music Center, The Pyramid Scheme, Midtown — with widely varying musical approaches. Browse the photo galleries and get the concert recaps at Local Spins.
NEEDTOBREATHE rides high in ‘paradise’ created by energetic fans at Van Andel Arena
The pop-rock stars returned to Grand Rapids on Tuesday, touring behind their new album, “Caves,” and regaled 6,000 or so fans with an impressive spectacle. Check out the review, photo gallery and set list at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
NEEDTOBREATHE benefiting from Taylor Swift ‘master class’ in touring production
After touring with Taylor Swift more than a decade ago, the South Carolina rock band brings its “Caves” world tour to Van Andel Arena on Tuesday. The Local Spins interview.
Three Dog Night comes to ‘Celebrate’ and ‘Play Something Sweet’ for nostalgic GR fans
The enduringly popular 1970s band delivered a cavalcade of hits — and one new song — during their return Sunday to Meijer Gardens, led by 80-year-old Danny Hutton. The review, photo gallery and set list at Local Spins.
Unity Christian Music Festival revels in community, Colton Dixon & more on Day 1
The mammoth Christian music fest at Heritage Landing in Muskegon opened with an estimated crowd of 13,000, with a full weekend of performances ahead. Get the recap, photos and a festival schedule at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Unity Christian Music Festival 2023: The Local Spins Preview and Schedule
First staged more than 20 years ago, this week’s festival at Muskegon’s Heritage Landing boasts appearances by Casting Crowns, We the Kingdom, For King and Country and more. Get details and a schedule at Local Spins.
Soggy Strains: Tommy Emmanuel’s dazzling guitar virtuosity powers through rain
Fans endured incessant rain at Meijer Gardens on Wednesday. But at Studio Park in downtown Grand Rapidss, the storms forced the summer’s first Listening Lawn show featuring Tank and the Bangas to move indoors. The recaps, photo galleries at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Stryper’s ‘Final Battle’ not the end for hard-rocking band playing GR tonight
Still heavy, still touring and still professing deep faith, Stryper rolls into Elevation at the Intersection tonight. The Local Spins interview, along with the band’s latest music video.
Thousands cheer joyous vulnerability of TobyMac, other Christian music stars
Sunday night’s tour stop at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids featured a host of inspirational artists, including West Michigan’s own George Moss. The Local Spins review, photos and set list.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
TobyMac poised for GR tour stop while healing from tragedy, teeming with hope
The multi-Grammy-winning Christian music artist plays Van Andel Arena on Sunday with Grand Rapids’ own hip-hop artist George Moss joining him on stage. The back story at Local Spins.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Winter Jam to showcase up-and-coming singer Anne Wilson, headliner We the Kingdom
The contemporary Christian tour that stops at Van Andel Arena on Thursday also features Jeremy Camp, Andy Mineo, Disciple, NewSong and Austin French. Learn more about Anne Wilson, watch her music videos and get the Winter Jam preview at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Top 12 Stories Countdown
Top Stories of 2022 (No. 3): Fervent Grand Rapids fans revel in Journey’s ‘big’ arena show
The No. 3 story of the year at Local Spins was our review of a much-delayed, much-anticipated concert: Journey’s return to Van Andel Arena in early May. Revisit it today.
Mat Kearney delivers engaging tales, genre-mixing charm in return to Grand Rapids
Playing a sold-out show Friday at St. Cecilia Music Center, the revered singer-songwriter played 20 of his fan-pleasing songs over 100-plus minutes. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Juke Box Heroes: Foreigner caps Meijer Gardens season with vintage rock flourish
Playing amid mild temperatures and regaling a sold-out crowd, classic rock’s Foreigner delivered the outdoor amphitheater’s final punch of summer. The review, photo gallery and set list at Local Spins.
America uncorks ‘legal limit of ’70s music’ — from ‘Tin Man’ to ‘Horse With No Name’
Led by Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley, the band bathed a sold-out Meijer Gardens crowd in nostalgia on Wednesday with a bevy of familiar hits. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Doobie Brothers savvily steer down music’s memory lane for Grand Rapids tour stop
The legendary rock band brought its 50th anniversary tour (at long last) to Van Andel Arena on Sunday night. The Local Spins review, photo gallery and set list.
Hit-laden Sheryl Crow soaks up the sun, Meijer Gardens and engaged sold-out crowd
Sunday night’s tour stop at Meijer Gardens was Sheryl Crow’s second Michigan show in as many days and she delivered a bevy of her most popular songs for a packed amphitheater with Allison Russell opening. The Local Spins review, photo gallery and set list.
Near-sellout Grand Rapids crowd revels in Journey’s ‘big’ arena show, signature hit tunes
From ‘Don’t Stop Believin” to ‘Any Way You Want It,’ Journey on Wednesday gave West Michigan fans at Van Andel Arena a two-hour dose of classics, with Toto offering up a ‘crisp’ opening set. The Local Spins review and photos, with set lists for both bands.
Concert Listings · Summer Concerts
Ridge Point’s 2022 ‘Backyard Concert Series’ boasts regional stars, mini-Meijer Gardens vibe
The striking, terraced venue behind Ridge Point Community Church east of Holland returns this summer with The Soul Syndicate, Jonathan Traylor, Brena, Tony Bakker & more. Check out the lineup, with links to summer series at other Michigan venues.
Mat Kearney unfurls ‘Something Beautiful’ with ‘genuine’ Grand Rapids performance
Monday’s tour stop at GLC Live at 20 Monroe had the Oregon native and Nashville-based singer-songwriter regaling the crowd with signature tunes as well as older gems. Check out the photos and set list.
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